A/N- Okay, sorry that this has taken so long. I had a bit of writer's block on another chapter of another fic that held me up. Anyhow, I'm back and ready to continue the story. Now, I've sad to say that I'm leaving this as another transition chapter. This has to compress a few months together. However, I hope it will still be enjoyable.

Chapter 3- Meanwhile, in the Rest of the World

The first few months of her pregnancy were a blur. Le-Annette had forgotten the way friends and family react when they get the news that a loved one is expecting. Of course, there was always that initial moment of shock, but that moment extends when it is a vampire expecting instead of a mortal woman. However, everyone, from Dumbledore to Flitwick, seemed happy about this…for this. For her and Severus.

Then came preparations. She had forgotten this as well. This, perhaps, was a good thing seeing as the way to prepare had changed greatly from the time when she had had her first children. It was much easier to accumulate the basic things a baby needed in today's modern times. Double that ease if you were a witch or wizard. Most things could be conjured up or away.

And then there came the check-ups. Checking to see if the baby and the mother were okay. These, for Le-Annette, were a nuisance. She could feel everything about the baby…heartbeat, breath, all of it. She would be the first to know if there was something wrong with her or her child. However, it seemed that check-ups were formality. Something to make Madam Pomfrey--who was also a midwife--feel useful until the time of the actual birth came.

And then there was Severus. There was not a moment in the day or night when he wasn't concerned for her. Every chance he got, he would pop by her classroom to check on her well-being. As much as she loved him, there were times she wished that he would just go away. Thankfully, there was Hermione, who had realized long before the potions master, that this incessant checking was annoying. If she was in Le-Annette's class when Severus stopped by, she could change the subject to potions homework. And if she was passing in the hall when Severus was coddling her, she would distract him while Le-Annette slipped away for a moment's peace. The poor vampire was four and a half months along before Severus finally realized what he had been doing. Now, his concern was just the right amount.

But around that same time, trouble started. The Dark Mark was burning on his arm more and more often. Spies from the Order of the Phoenix were coming to Hogwarts every night to converse with Dumbledore, and each had worse news than the one before. Finally, word came to expect the worse. According to some sources, Lord Voldemort was planning something big. When Dumbledore had gotten this bit of information, he called together Severus, Le-Annette, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco in one of the teachers' lounges.

That night had been stormy, and all the faces sitting around the teacher's table were grim. Dumbledore stood, and spoke to them.

"I trust you all know why you are here," he said, looking around at each in turn.

Everyone nodded. The Headmaster continued.

"Very well. The sad fact is…there is not much on this matter I have to say. I wish that I had some profound information that could save all of our lives, but I don't. The only thing I can offer you is this: Be on your guard. If Voldemort is planning something, odds are that it has something to do with someone in this room," he said, sitting down once again when he had finished.

"Bloody hell, that's all we know?" Ron asked, incredulously.

"Ron," Hermione said, shaking her head.

Ron and Hermione's friendship remained intact, despite the fact that he honestly couldn't stand it that she was dating Draco Malfoy. However, since the relationship had begun, the two friends had not had much to say to each other. This saddened Le-Annette, who felt responsible. It had been she who had brought up this matter with Draco.

"What?" Ron asked, borderline glaring at her.

She sighed. "Nothing."

Draco slipped a hand onto her back and smiled softly at her. Harry sighed.

"So, what are we supposed to do? Just wait for him to make his move?" he asked.

Dumbledore sighed, adjusting his half-moon spectacles. "Hopefully, it won't come to that. Hopefully, we will obtain more information beforehand. However, if we don't, sadly that will be our only course of action."

And with that, they were all dismissed. Each one headed off on their own way. Ron and Harry headed back toward the dorms, Hermione and Draco headed off to somewhere where they could be together, and Severus and Le-Annette went together to his rooms to simply lie in each other's arms.

End Notes: Man, that sucked. I'm so, so sorry, everyone. I promise, the next chapter will be better. Really. Please review.